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EDA now reviewing DCCA plans for Ada Gym
The Economic Development Administration is now reviewing the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs’ grant application to turn the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium in Susupe into a “world -class” sporting complex.
According to DCCA Secretary Robert H. Hunter, a tentative yes or no will hopefully be available by next week.
According to Hunter, the EDA does not usually fund sport-related proposals but because of the CNMI’s “unique” situation where sports and culture play a huge role in economic development, it’s being considered.
The project will improve the Oleai Sports Complex and create a connected cultural center. The project will include a swimming pool, tennis courts, concession stands, and a pedestrian bridge that goes across the Oleai Sports Complex to the beach where the cultural center will be built to have permanent booths, canoe house, beach volleyball courts, and a performing arts area.
Concession stands will also be placed around the area and the existing grandstand at the track and field facility will be extended to accommodate more people.
According to Hunter, when DCCA first managed the gym, the facilities weren’t well-maintained because their budget was only $400,000 a year and that wasn’t enough to keep the facility clean and functional.
If the grant application with EDA is approved, then the facility will need at least $700,000 or more a year to be well-maintained; otherwise it will be in the condition it has always been in.
With or without the EDA grant, the DCCA still plans to refurbish the Ada Gym and create a cultural center at the Civic Center across.
